Close-Up view of the Worcester Masonic Center

MSL's Annual Table Lodge

Monday, December 1, 2014

“Is there greatness in you?” We have all heard and seen this inspirational interrogatory in Masonic advertisements. We have all been moved by the deep resonating voice of “Ben Franklin” and presumably the voices of all of our forefathers asking each Mason this “not-so” rhetorical question. Is the question just a fanciful turn of phrase meant to simply entice men, or is it a deeper abiding look into the fabric of each of us. What is the answer for you? Have you really taken a moment in time and answered the question for yourself, or has it stayed rhetorical?

The simplest of answer to the question is a resounding “Yes”; there is greatness in ALL of us. Each man possesses the intrinsic ability to achieve greatness in whatever measure or arena he may choose. Freemasonry and its “secrets” allows every man to find and cultivate that inherent value through a process of self discovery and broadening friendships. Our “valuable lessons” are nothing more than age-old truths. The U.S. Constitution, drafted by the aid of so many prominent Freemasons, contends, “… these truths to be self-evident…”, yet are they? Or have they been invariably diminished in the character of men by folly and vice from so many of the world’s excesses.

When “self-evident” becomes clouded by the world; Freemasonry stands as a beacon of hope for concerned men. Each man is free to explore the extent of these truths to whatever depths they choose. We utilize allegory and symbolism as the working tools by which the Craft provokes men to search for their greatness. This method of directed exploration of the intellect is ancient and has been validated by historical precedence. The ideals that were imbued in the greatness of Brother George Washington are the very same as those within each of us.

Armed with the knowledge of a path to greatness does not ensure success. Success requires effort. No great or important undertaking was ever accomplished alone. God is our first pillar, the Fraternity our second, and our “own exertions” the final column in support our journey. The first two are freely given to every Mason, the last must be earned. Effort requires commitment, energy and confidence and once begun, will gather its own momentum. Search every word of our degrees for the deeper meaning than that spoken. Seek opportunities for service to others, for through empathy and compassionate service our heart grows stronger.

This holiday season, as we take the time to appreciate the manifold blessings around us, remember to take a moment to look within and thank God for the blessing and privilege to be a Mason and the limitless opportunity which that presents to fulfill the greatness in you.

Saturday, November 1, 2014

As the fall season escorts in the colder weather, simultaneously the Masonic season begins to warm up! As Mother Nature takes a sudden and stark turn towards dormancy, we as Freemasons rush toward our work, and gather momentum in the Lodge. Imagine our forefathers in Freemasonry in the late 18th century, slogging through the deep snow drifts of a New England winter for the privilege of spending a few short hours amongst like minded brothers. Picture the steam rising from the nostrils of those majestic horses laden with harness, pulling carriages and brothers through the brisk night to distant lodges, there to gather and pass on the secrets to a worthy candidate. These wonderful images are the life’s blood of the craft.

Today’s Masons are thirsty for the same fraternalism and spirit of action that men like, Thomas Paine, Ephraim Mower, Clark Chandler, John Stanton and Samuel Flagg brought to Morning Star Lodge when they petitioned for the charter which created this legacy we now enjoy; These Brothers knew the value of honor, service and commitment. These names, these men, endure as icons of this community. One needs only to take a short jaunt down the byways of Worcester, and you will undoubtedly traverse, Chandler, Mower, Paine, Thomas, Stanton and Flagg streets; testaments to these Brother’s impact on our community. Today’s brothers; our men, yearn to be as influential in their day, and in their own way, as those men were in theirs.

There is a great renaissance occurring in our world. Freemasonry, as it did in centuries past, can and will be at the forefront, developing and inspiring the impassioned leaders of tomorrow. The recipe for this resolve in Masonry is long-standing and elegantly simple; trust in God, trust in your fellow man and trust in yourself. The mission of Morning Star lodge for this Masonic year is to build momentum for the future, by building the personal capacity of the men of today.

What does Morning Star Lodge offer the next generation of Freemasons? History and tradition are wonderful foundational elements, but these alone to do promote growth and innovation. The wages of Masonry are timeless; self fulfillment through service to others is the great reward which every Mason desires as his path to a favorable admission to the Celestial Lodge above. The youngest Mason, standing in the Northeast corner of the lodge, must be inspired, must be set to work for his wages. The trestle board must be reborn with new designs which keep sacred and inviolate the fundamentals of the Craft, but address the reality of today world.

As Master of the lodge, it is my obligation to draw the designs and set the Craft at work. But even our ancient Grand Master Solomon, knew he needed help to make his vision a reality I look well to the West, to the South and to all corners of our lodge for your guidance, inspiration and assistance to help renovate and repoint the foundational stones of our lodge, and thus Freemasonry. . The various committees are formed and we are prepared to commence the work at hand. I charge each of you to craft your piece as a living stone. Shape it with your own gavel, and fit it to the Master’s design. Make your work meaningful at this very moment assurring that your mark in Masonry will last for the next generation to appreciate and gain inspiration from, as we have been inspired from those who built greatness before us.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

The new Masonic year is here, the new slate of officers is installed, and the work of the lodge is
underway! I would like to thank Worshipful Adam Ferraro for his service to the lodge, and wish him well in the future. Many thanks also to all who participated in the open installation and building rededication, most especially the installation team of M.W. Richard J. Stewart, R. W. John W. Hansen, R.W. John K. Andrews, and R. W. Samuel R. McClure. Despite the sweltering conditions, the day was a resounding success for all the brethren and guests!

We have an active year scheduled for the Lodge, which includes not just the usual lodge work, but many opportunities for service and fraternal communion. The district calendar for October is very active with five scheduled DDGM official visits and Square and Compasses day on Saturday October 18th! I challenge all members to identify ONE worthy friend or colleague who might be interested in Masonry and invite them to come and explore the lodge and the craft on the 18th.

We will be going over committee assignments and responsibilities at the regular communication on the 7th, along with balloting on a candidate for the degrees. If elected, we will be holding a first degree on the 21st which may include a courtesy candidate from Quinsigamond lodge. Lodge of Instruction will be held on October 28th and the DDGM has indicated that there will be a more “fraternal” atmosphere for LOI this year! Details to follow – show up and find out!

Lastly, our lodge is more than the sum of the current officers and those past masters who come every month to pass along their wisdom and encouragement. It is ALL of the brothers of our Lodge. We will be personally contacting every member of our lodge over the next couple of months to reiterate our commitment to each brother and offer any support the lodge can give. We also hope this outreach will encourage brethren to reconnect with the Fraternity.